Nice mural..according to the back cover.
Sergio Aragonés Massacres Marvel
Marvel Comics (June, 1996)
WRITER: Mark Evanier PENCILER/CO-INKER: Sergio Aragonés INKERS: Geroge Perez, Joe Sinnott, John Romita Senior, Steve Leialoha, Marie Severin, Al Milgrom, Terry Austin, & Joe Rubinstein COLORIST: Tom Luth SEPARATIONS: Malibu ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Polly Watson EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Bobbie Chase
Sergio and Mark head to Marvel to look for work, but everyone is out to lunch. Sergio sees a note that the comics are behind schedule and he decides to help and finish the comics for them, coming up with a villain called the Seagoing Soarer. The Soarer is kidnapping Marvel heroes, starting with Sub-Mariner before going into the “issues”, as the mystery villain captures Spider-Man, The X-Men, Captain America, The Silver Surfer, and others. This leads to the obligatory Marvel heroes fight each other scene before the villain is revealed and only Sergio himself can stop him…for he IS him!
What they got right: The idea that Sergio would draw himself as the villain after all these years is an interesting idea, as it also parodies the “evil twin” idea. I’d complain about Spider-Man having a huge nose, but that’s in line with Sergio’s art style. Marvel tropes get parodied and for the most part it works. There’s also a running gag about being “trapped in a world they never made, but who is?” that could have gotten old, but they kept it fresh and tied it in with the finale.
What they got wrong: But with Captain America it was more dated cultural humor and the same political commentary from Destroys DC is on display here. Also, there’s a second running gag about an obligatory Wizard Of Oz reference that doesn’t work too well, because I don’t remember that being a huge deal in 90’s Marvel. Maybe some of you can correct me if I’m wrong.
Recommendation: While the weaker of the pair, it was still a decent read and some of it was amusing. It’s worth picking up, especially if you’re a 90’s Marvel fan.
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